Tenant’s Guide

Guide for Tenants when Leasing a Property in Dubai

Decide on an area

Firstly you need to decide on which area or development you want to live in, several factors that could influence this decision would be renting close to you work place, children`s school or near family and friends. Although you may be looking for a sea view or close to recreational and sports activities.

Work out your finances

When renting an apartment or villa the annual or monthly rent will depend mostly on what you can afford and your income or salary. Make sure you add in the costs of electricity, water, satellite and internet packages along with any other extra charges. Owners and Landlords tend to offer a reduction in rent if this is paid up front on a yearly basis on the other hand it may be more convenient for you to pay monthly this we will help you discuss with the Owners and Landlords in advance.

Have your paperwork ready

Most Owners and Landlords will keep a copy of your passport when you rent a property from them. It`s best to make copies of all your important documents in advance as you will also need them when connecting telephone, water, electricity and internet. You should also have copies of your valid residence visa and driving licence just to be on the safe side. Ask your designated leasing consultant and they can guide you more on this process and answer any questions.

Choose an agent/agency

When you instruct us to be your preferred local agent for finding the perfect rental property for you and your family we aim to please. You are instructing a registered company with the Government of Dubai Land Department Approved RERA Real Estate Agent Registration Number 928. Therefore you`ll be safe in our hands as we are fully licensed with all regulatory departments.

Rental property viewings

Most of our clients want to see a good range of properties before making their final decision. This can be done in mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends to fit in with your schedule. Simply call your consultant and they will arrange all this on your behalf with a confirmation call to you with times when complete.

Making an offer

After viewing all the properties with your leasing consultant you may want to make an offer to the Owners and Landlords on a certain price, some may also be flexible with payment plans and also give reductions on full payments in advance for the year.

Agreeing to rent

Once you have accepted your rental offer you really only need to agree with the Owner or Landlord on a moving in date. Now this can depend on whether the property is occupied with a tenant already or if it is vacant in which case it`s easier. Thereafter it`s only a case of connecting your telephone, electricity, water and internet and you can move in.
We will advise on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way in case you need us.

Tenancy Contract & Deposit

As with all steps in the rental process it is part of our service that we prepare a rental agreement unless the owner or landlord has one specifically for their property. Our agreements are all RERA attested and certified. Once the agreement is finalized your deposit shall be passed onto the owner.

Tenancy contract signed

Once your Tenancy Contract is signed, we will conduct the final inventory screening to ensure the property is ready and waiting for you to move into and enjoy.

Moving Into your home

Once all the paperwork and contracts have been signed along with the deposit and the balance payment you are ready to move into your new home. At West Gate Real Estate we can also advise you on removal companies to use or other useful information such as schools that are close by and perhaps recreational activities. We hope you enjoy you new home and remember we are only a phone call away if you need any follow up assistance or support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Any person of any nationality with a valid U.A.E residence visa and current bank account with a personal cheque book can rent a property in Dubai.

Documents Required

By an Individual:

Passport

Residency Visa

By a company:

Trade License

Trade License

Passport of the Company Owner

Passport of the tenant

Residency of the Tenant

Tenancy Contract Forms

Tenancy Contracts are usually for a period of one year and renewable thereafter.

Payment Terms

To rent a property in Dubai, Landlords accept payments in the form of a cheque either from a personal or company UAE bank account. Payment terms depend on the Landlord, but can range from either one cheque for the duration of the tenancy or up to 12 cheques but either way all the cheques are required to be given upon signing the Tenancy Contract. There is also an initial 5% of the value of the Tenancy Contract required as a security deposit to be held by the Landlord.

Any fee’s involved?

There are no service charges involved as this is the responsibility of the Landlord; however, there is a municipality tax of 5% of the annual rent which is shown separately on your electricity bill. In addition, West Gate Real Estate charges an Agency fee of 5% of the Tenancy Contract amount which shall not be less than AED 4000.

How do I Rent a Property?

We will find you the property that best suits both your needs and requirements. Once we find the property you’re looking for and a price is agreed with the Landlord, a security deposit amount of 5% is required at the contract signing stage of the Tenancy Contract which is payable to the Landlord. Once the Tenancy Contract has been signed by both you and the Landlord, West Gate Real Estate will hand over the keys to you and ensure DEWA connection has been completed. Upon completion of the above, the Agency fee of 5% is payable to West Gate Real Estate along with the AED 500 for DEWA activation and Ejari registration service fee.

Can I sub-let the Property?

No you are not allowed to sub-let the property. This is against the rules of the UAE.

How do I connect electricity and water?

We can do this on your behalf provided a service fee of AED 500 is paid to West Gate Real Estate.

Are pets allowed?

They are allowed at the discretion of the Landlord or Developer; however some communities do not allow pets and is stated in the community rules.

Are Properties equipped with appliances?

The majority of properties in Dubai are not equipped with appliances.

Can I alter the structure of the property?

No, you are not allowed to make changes without written permission from the Landlord. This will include painting and fixtures and fittings.

Can the Landlord increase in the following year?

Rental prices are governed by the Rental Index issued by RERA. Please speak to your leasing consultant to check on the current conditions.